The Dark Society

70

The Solomon estate, set on fifteen acres, embodied a picturesque setting. Surrounded by mature forests and spacious landscapes, it presented ideal conditions for gaining focus and concentration.

Jessica and her husband Jordan had been Karen's mentors all her life, and due to this camaraderie, she'd excelled and grown more inquisitive. Even still, with recent events, a family reunion felt warranted.

"Spending life shrouded in rose petals?" Jordan asked as Jessica tended the plush rose gardens.

"If that's okay with you," she replied.

"I suppose so," he joked.

"Has Karen arrived?" she questioned with an embrace.

He nodded. "Moments ago."

"I hope her escapades didn't arouse suspicion."

Jordan peered through messages. "She knows the rules, so I'm not concerned..." he advised. "Although, this detective is becoming troublesome."

She gazed at him. "Again?"

He scowled. "I'll handle it."

Karen soon arrived, appearing absorbed in thought.

"There she is..." her father remarked while embracing her. "I hope you had an enjoyable time."

She smirked. "I did, thank you."

"You look rested," Jessica stated before moving through the courtyard.

"The roses look amazing," Karen remarked.

Her mother grinned while nurturing the petals. "I assume everything went well?"

Karen scowled. "Even despite the unwelcome visitors."

Jessica leered. "I warned you."

Karen shrugged. "You don't have to worry..." she retorted. "At least not anymore."

Her mother stared. "Meaning?"

Her daughter laughed while strolling among the abundant flowers. "They've seen the error of their ways..." she admitted. "Or, at least, they will soon enough."

Jessica gasped. "I see..." she replied. "Then why the long face?"

Karen sulked. "The warlocks have become a problem."

"I thought you had everything under control?"

"I do..." she answered. "But they're resisting."

Jessica took her hand. "Well, there are rules."

"Restrictions that no longer apply to me."

Her mother frowned. "You continue to challenge authority..." she exclaimed. "And though you've become powerful, there's a lot of antagonism, and those don't go well together."

Karen grew quiet.

"What is it?" Jessica inquired.

"Have you heard of Saint Anthony's or the Morgan lineage?"

Her mother paced. "It's an American temple founded and once governed by Harold Morgan. Why?"

Karen stared. "What if the legends are true?"

"I'm not following."

"I'm convinced Sabrina's part of that lineage," she admitted.

Jessica snickered. "Impossible..." she stated. "Their coven vanished years ago."

Karen drew close. "Mother, she bears the mark."

"How do you know about the Morgans?"

Karen paused and recollected. "Luen referenced them several times..." she alleged. "So I grew curious and looked into it."

"And?"

"A mother, father, and their two young children disappear, then Sabrina shows up years later bearing their mark."

Jessica winced. "So?"

Karen's voice grew confident. "Mother, she's the right age..." she announced. "However, if it's proof you want, there's only one way to know for sure--the ledgers."

"If they even exist."

Karen grinned and retreated inside.